The ability to critically evaluate research and to conduct research studies to inform social work practice.
Research design: The method and plan used to conduct a research project.
Quantitative research methods: Employs numerical data to generate and test hypotheses based on existing theories or empirical evidence.
Qualitative research methods: Aims to describe or understand social phenomena through non-numerical data, such as interviews, observation, and content analysis.
Mixed methods research: Combines quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain a more complete understanding of a social problem or issue.
Sampling methods: The process of selecting a representative group or sample from a larger population to generalize findings to the larger group.
Measurement and scale construction: Involves developing valid and reliable measures to assess social concepts or constructs and to assign numerical values to them.
Data collection methods: The means by which data is gathered, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or secondary data sources.
Data analysis and interpretation: The process of transforming and summarizing data to draw inferences, interpretations, and conclusions relevant to the research question or hypothesis.
Validity and reliability: The extent to which a measure or study accurately and consistently measures what it is supposed to measure and produces consistent results over time.
Ethical considerations: The protection of participants' rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and potential risks and benefits of research.
Evaluation methods: Similar to research methods, but focused on identifying, measuring, and assessing the effectiveness of social programs and interventions.
Program logic models: A tool used to identify program inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes to design and evaluate social programs.
Outcome measurement: The process of identifying the desired outcomes of a program and measuring progress towards achieving these goals.
Cost-benefit analysis: A method to compare the costs of implementing a program with its expected benefits to determine its cost-effectiveness.